The panorama was taken in four sections, probably from the Grand Hotel. The first section looks towards Coleman Place around to Rangitikei Street. The second section shows the central quadrant of The Square with the band rotunda and the railway line running through it. The third section, looking from the Grand Hotel corner, through The Square and down Church Street, shows the Fitzherbert Avenue corner. The fourth section overlooks rooftops towards Fitzherbert Avenue and beyond.